The Wisconsin DNR will not fine Hi-Crush Proppants for the May spill of mining sludge that polluted area property and flowed into the Trempealeau River. The DNR will not levy the fine because state law allows WPDES permits to be violated in the case of an emergency (and in this case the side of the pond was breached to save the life of an operator who had fallen into the pond).
Dr. Ted Auch spoke at the Eau Claire Grassroots Festival about the current status of fracking, frac sand mining in Wisconsin, and what we can expect in the future. The slide deck from his talk is attached to this article. Please note that the audio quality is sketchy as there was a fairly loud presentation going on in the next room, and the room dividers in this building are not great for sound isolation.
Since the late 2000s, growth in hydraulic fracturing has created a new demand for sand deposits around western Wisconsin. Of highest value is hard, fine-grained sand perfect for cracking underground rock formations that hold oil and natural gas.
Frac sand mining, processing, and trans-load still pose major issues in Wisconsin.
On June 5, the Hudson, WI City Council heard testimony from citizens and others about processing sand. Follow this meeting at the link below:
#000000;">Henry Boschen from Chippewa Falls has been viewing a number of frac sand mines and processing plants with his drone and camera. Take a look at the size and scope of these mines and processing plants in the State of WI.
